having gone to SBH a bunch of times by plane and ferry, we somewhat prefer ferry...we used to take the ferry out of Pelican Marina (The Edge) for day trips, but now take the Great Bay Express out of Philipsburg...45 minute ride...we prefer the ferry because of the “casualness” and not having to deal with an airport...we’ve been on some brutal ferry crossings, but they don’t really bother me

but if it’s your first time, the plane might be the way to go for the views/experience...although pulling in to the SBH marina when the big mega yachts are there is also pretty cool, but you could save that for next time